MILFORD Haven harbour has a new man at the helm following the Port’s latest appointment.

Former commanding officer with the Royal Navy, Mike Ryan, is the new marine director and harbourmaster at the Port of Milford Haven.

He took up his new role at the end of August, bringing with him extensive experience of delivering operations safely and successfully worldwide, and in complex situations.

Mr Ryan follows in the footsteps of the Port’s outgoing harbourmaster, Bill Hirst, who will retire at the end of October after almost 18 years’ service.

In recent years Mr Ryan has held senior positions on shore with responsibility for more than 600 personnel, covering all aspects of maritime and aviation management. At sea, as a Master Mariner, he was Commanding Officer on board Royal Navy mine hunters and, in a Service career spanning almost 30 years, has served on a wide variety of ships including aircraft carriers.

Mr Ryan said: “I am delighted to be joining the Port at this exciting time and am really looking forward to working with the team, and wider stakeholders, to ensure Milford Haven’s continuing status as one of the UK’s most strategically important ports.”

Alec Don, chief executive of the Port of Milford Haven, added: “We’re delighted that Mike has joined us. There is so much happening within the Port so it’s a great time for him to take on this esteemed role. Mike has a wealth of experience within the maritime industry and has already fitted in well during the handover period.”